Helsinki is one of Finland’s most child-friendly cities thanks to its many parks, islands, and outdoor activities. There's plenty of fun to be had for parents and children alike. Summertime is when you get to enjoy fun rides and parades at the city’s many amusement parks, swim in outdoor pools and explore botanical gardens. 

At first glance, Helsinki may not be the most affordable holiday destination but you’ll be glad to know that toddlers get to enjoy discounted and even free admission to many attractions. Plan an exciting holiday for the entire family with our guide to things to do in Helsinki with kids. 

  • 1

    Linnanmäki Amusement Park

    Enjoy over 40 thrilling rides at Finland’s oldest theme park

    Linnanmäki Amusement Park
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    Linnanmäki is Finland’s oldest theme park, featuring over 40 rides, 3 children’s playgrounds, and dozens of arcade games. During the summer, you get to watch circus shows and street performances at the open-air arena. Located 3.5 km north of Helsinki’s Senate Square, the park has a wooden rollercoaster that has been entertaining visitors since 1950. 

    Entering Linnanmäki is free of charge, and you also get to enjoy 8 rides without paying for a ticket. If you want to experience the rest of the attractions, opt for the all-day-access wristband. Linnanmäki is next door to SEA LIFE Helsinki, which you get in at a discounted rate if you purchase the wristband.

    Location: Tivolikuja 1, 00510 Helsinki, Finland

    Open: Hours vary by season

    Phone: +358 (0)10 572 22 00

    Map

    photo by Tatu Kosonen (CC BY-SA 4.0) modified

  • 2

    Korkeasaari Zoo

    Spot Amur leopards at Finland’s largest zoo

    Korkeasaari Zoo
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    Korkeasaari Zoo (formerly Helsinki Zoo) dates back to 1889, making it the oldest wildlife centre in Finland. Here, you get to visit 150 animal species and 1,000 plant species from all over the world. The zoo is located on namesake Korkeasaari Island, which is connected to Helsinki’s Mustikkamaa district via a bridge. 

    For a leisurely way of getting there, there are ferries departing from Market Square (May–September) or Hakaniemi (June–August) every day. One of Korkeasaari Zoo's most visited enclosures is the Cat Valley, which houses Siberian tigers and the rare Amur leopards.

    Location: Mustikkamaanpolku 12, 00270 Helsinki, Finland

    Open: Hours vary by season

    Phone: +358 (0)9 310 16 15

    Map
  • 3

    SkyWheel Helsinki

    See Helsinki and the Baltic Sea from up to 40 metres high

    SkyWheel Helsinki
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    SkyWheel is a traditional Ferris wheel located on Helsinki’s southern harbour. It takes passengers to an impressive height of 40 metres, offering expansive views of the city and Baltic Sea. All 30 gondolas are climate-controlled, so you can enjoy this ride all year round. Each cabin fits 4 people comfortably, with a full ride taking around 12 minutes.

    Location: Katajanokanlaituri 2, 00160 Helsinki, Finland

    Open: Monday–Friday from 11 am to 7 pm, Saturday from 10 am to 8 pm, Sunday from 11 am to 6 pm

    Phone: +358 (0)40 480 46 04

    Map

    photo by Paasikivi (CC BY-SA 4.0) modified

  • 4

    Allas Sea Pool

    Swim in the heated pools with views of the Baltic Sea

    Allas Sea Pool
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    Allas Sea Pool is a family-friendly swimming and sauna centre nearby Helsinki’s Market Square. Its seawater pool, warm water pool and children’s pool are located on an elevated deck that overlooks SkyWheel Helsinki and the Baltic Sea. 

    Swimming lessons are available for inexperienced swimmers, and you get to enjoy activities such as yoga, boot camp, and lifesaving courses for kids. Allas Sea Pool also has traditional saunas catered for women, men, and private functions. 

    Location: Katajanokanlaituri 2a, 00160 Helsinki, Finland

    Open: Monday – Thursday from 6.30 am to 9 pm, Friday from 6.30 am to 10 pm, Saturday from 9 am to 10 pm, Sunday from 9 am to 9 pm

    Phone: +358 (0)40 565 65 82

    Map

    photo by Sinikka Halme (CC BY-SA 4.0) modified

  • 5

    Finnish Museum of Natural History

    Check out stuffed wildlife and dinosaur fossils

    Finnish Museum of Natural History
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    The Finnish Museum of Natural History features 6 permanent exhibitions on the diversity of plant and animal species in Finland and various parts of the world. The Story of the Bones gallery displays animal skeletons and ancient fossils dating back to the Ice Age, while Giraffes in the Gymnasium is where you get to see stuffed animals such as zebras, jaguars, and deer. 

    Free audio guides in English, French and Russian are available if you prefer exploring the museum’s exhibits at your own pace.

    Location: Pohjoinen Rautatiekatu 13, 00100 Helsinki, Finland

    Open: Winter: Tuesday–Wednesday, and Friday from 9 am to 4 pm, Thursday from 9 am to 6 pm, Saturday from 10 am to 5 pm, Sunday from 10 am to 4 pm (closed on Mondays). Summer: Tuesday–Wednesday and Friday–Sunday from 10 am to 5 pm, Thursday from 10 am to 6 pm (closed on Mondays)

    Phone: +358 (0)29 412 88 00

    Map
  • 6

    Kaisaniemi Botanic Garden

    Check out gigantic water lilies at the tropical glasshouse

    Kaisaniemi Botanic Garden
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    The Kaisaniemi Botanic Garden features 10 glasshouses that cultivate over 1,300 plant species from deserts, rainforests and tropical wetlands around the world. The Palm House exhibit is particularly popular for housing the world’s biggest seed and colourful orchids, while the Waterlily Room is where you can see the gigantic Santa Cruz lily pads, which span up to 2 metres in diameter and can hold an adult human – but don't try it yourself. 

    If you’re not keen to pay to explore these glasshouses, the 10,000-square-metre outdoor gardens are free to explore all year round.

    Location: Kaisaniemenranta 2, 00170 Helsinki, Finland

    Open: Daily from 9 am to 8 pm

    Phone: +358 (0)29 412 44 55

    Map
  • 7

    National Museum of Finland

    Digital exhibits bring Finnish prehistory to life

    National Museum of Finland
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    The National Museum of Finland features 4 permanent exhibitions on Finnish history, people, and culture, including one that’s tailored for children. Artefacts date back from medieval times to the 19th century, consisting of coins, medals, clothing, and weaponry.  You can even touch a prehistoric antler axe or play with interactive cave paintings through the digital exhibits.

    There are different admission prices but children below 18 years old enter the National Museum of Finland for free. For free entry for the whole family, visit the museum on Friday between 4 pm and 6 pm.

    Location: Mannerheimintie 34, 00100 Helsinki, Finland

    Open: Wednesday from 11 am to 8 pm, Thursday–Tuesday from 11 am to 6 pm (September–December: closed on Mondays)

    Phone: +358 (0)29 533 60 00

    Map

    photo by Ainar Riigov (CC BY 3.0) modified

  • 8

    Nuuksio National Park

    Forage for berries and mushrooms in late summer

    Nuuksio National Park
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    Nuuksio National Park, located 40 km northwest of Helsinki, attracts nature lovers with its scenic forests, valleys, and diverse wildlife. There are over 80 lakes and ponds within the park, with Lake Pitkäjärvi being a popular spot for canoeing. 

    The park is typically busy during the summertime, as you get to enjoy activities such as camping, rock-climbing, and take part in nature trails. You’re also free to explore the forests and forage for mushrooms and fresh lingonberries during the late summer.

    Location: Nuuksio National Park, 03220 Vihti, Finland

    Phone: +358 (0)40 163 62 00

    Map
  • 9

    Theatre Museum

    Try your hand at acting at the Arkadia Theatre

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    Finland’s Theatre Museum is where you get to learn about the performance arts industry through interactive exhibits and workshops in Helsinki. The Costume Collection displays out elaborate clothes, jewellery, wigs, and sketches dating back to the late 1800s. Theatre Attic features traditional puppets and a small theatre for children to enjoy live puppetry shows during their visit. 

    Theatre Museum offers interesting workshops on acting and costume designing for visitors of all ages. The duration of each workshop is between 1 and 2 hours. Guided tour of the museum in Finnish, Swedish, and English are available from Tuesday to Friday from 9.15 am onwards. 

    Location: Tallberginkatu 1, 00180 Helsinki, Finland

    Open: Tuesday and Thursday – Sunday from 11 am to 6 pm, Wednesday from 11 am to 8 pm (closed on Mondays)

    Phone: +358 (0)40 192 23 00

    Map
Penny Wong | Compulsive Traveller